Quote:
It's interresting because before the Puma, Germany and France had light vehicles (Fox, VAB) and no heavy like US Bradley or UK's Warrior
|
Well, the Germans did, and were among the first western countries doing so. A little something called Marder SPz, procured in more than 2000 units by the Bundeswehr from 1971 onwards...
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/l.../marder1a3.htm
http://www.panzerbaer.de/types/bw_spz_marder_1a1-a.htm
It was actually a replacement for the primitive IFV HS-30 (already full-tracked with 20mm autocannon).
The French also had the lighter AMX-10P, which was never anything like a Bradley or a Warrior.
That's why the Puma is heavier (it is a real heavy IFV like the Marder or Bradley), while the VBCI is a lighter "wheeled IFV" designed for manoeuver warfare besides the Leclerc.